This is new: the New Orleans Saints hit the practice field on Tuesday with wide receiver Michael Thomas in attendance, working off to the side with coaches and members of the training staff while catching passes from his new quarterback Derek Carr (plus Jameis Winston and Jake Haener when they weren’t needed for other drills).
It’s surprising because just last week Saints general manager Mickey Loomis made it sound like they didn’t expect Thomas to be at the facility until training camp, but now he’s present and working. The Saints are still limiting his participation as he finishes rehab from last year’s toe surgery, but Thomas said after practice he plans on “Day 1, full speed,” when training camp opens in late July.
Here are some photos, videos, and highlights from Thomas at Tuesday’s practice session:
Derek Carr and Mike Thomas 💪 pic.twitter.com/j0r9k4V7ZV
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) June 6, 2023
Michael Thomas was at Saints OTAs today pic.twitter.com/eTvkjmWEPE
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) June 6, 2023
Saints WR Michael Thomas chatting with new QB Derek Carr during Week 3 of OTAs. First time we’ve seen Thomas, who worked off to side with all the QBs and took mental reps during other drills as he works his way back from last year’s toe surgery. pic.twitter.com/NAIIEpvPHc
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) June 6, 2023
13 is back pic.twitter.com/CwMHiSdQaR
— NOF (@nofnetwork) June 6, 2023
Michael Thomas and Derek Carr pic.twitter.com/ITpiq3BGn1
— Rod Walker (@RodWalkerNola) June 6, 2023
👀 Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was present at OTAs today. He and quarterback Derek Carr spent some time together on the side working, lots of talking between the two. pic.twitter.com/Z8mqycsdEO
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) June 6, 2023
Notes from the final set of #Saints OTAs:
– Mike Thomas … is here
– High-energy practice (red zone)
– Really good day for the QBs. Chris Olave, Tre’Quan Smith with some nice highlights
– Battle catches still not going well for A.T. Perry
– Jordan Howden impressing pic.twitter.com/FYTqAGeq5X— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) June 6, 2023
Michael Thomas at practice today 👀
(📸: @BootKreweMedia) pic.twitter.com/Frmu16Jsy7
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) June 6, 2023
Though not fully participating, #Saints WR Michael Thomas was present at today’s OTA practice. Saints minicamps are schedule for next week, June 13-15.
Caught passes with the QBs a little later. pic.twitter.com/2gdk9auhte
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) June 6, 2023
Mike Thomas spent a lot of time with QB Derek Carr at Saints OTAs today. pic.twitter.com/JWncN9ispT
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) June 6, 2023
Saints WR Michael Thomas was at practice today. He simulated some routes and getting out of breaks off to the side when they were working as a group, but twice all 3 QBs worked only with him working on shorter routes pic.twitter.com/0TfVKI7P0a
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) June 6, 2023
Michael Thomas getting some work in off to the side here. Great to see him back on the field.
(🎥: @BootKreweMedia) pic.twitter.com/o1lChH60Vq
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) June 6, 2023
Derek Carr and Michael Thomas chatting at practice. Carr & Thomas did some work off to side at #Saints OTA pic.twitter.com/xVcqfum3qV
— Sean FazendeFOX8 (@SeanFazendeFOX8) June 6, 2023
— NOF (@nofnetwork) June 6, 2023
"It's a blessing any time I get to put on the Saints uniform,"
– Mike Thomas pic.twitter.com/3DyRRuQcNn
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) June 6, 2023
"He's been amazing," – @Cantguardmike on working with @derekcarrqb #Saints pic.twitter.com/fR8Mvmi38V
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) June 6, 2023